Joyfull Living

If you are the creative type, you won't understand my reasons for running quickly away from anything that requires creativity. If ideas form in your head and then become beautifully completed projects and you enjoy it...skip this post!!! After numerous failed attempts at crafts, baking, do it yourself projects that require anything beyond the basics, I gladly accept the fact that I am not gifted in creativity. Give me basic instruction that I can follow that do not require me to think, dream or imagine anything beyond! This attitude is comfortable, but dull!  Self improvement should always be a goal in life.  There is always a goal or challenge that should drive us to become better.  A part of this is being observant about our strengths and weaknesses.  The things that come easy to us are usually our strength areas, things that we are naturally good at and do well.  Areas we struggle in are not as fun and can be a struggle to improve.   As much...

I often tell my children “do a complete job”’, meaning do it all the way, to the best of your ability.  Growing up, no one encouraged me to do that…but God can work in one’s life like none other.  He blessed me when he allowed me to marry a perfectionist!  The benefits of “doing it right” is now clearly understood in my life, heart and home!  Shortcuts usually don’t work and won’t last.  A good job consists being thorough, diligent and getting it completed. I’m so glad God never does a ‘half way job’.  That He completes His work in us so that we in turn can be fully equipped to do what He has called us to do.  Hebrews 13:21 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,   make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. ...

Ginger is one of those spices that bring out the warmth of flavor especially in our fall recipes. But there is a lot more to ginger than a good taste! Ginger is actually an herb. The rhizome (underground stem) is used as a spice and also as a medicine. It can be used fresh, dried and powdered, or as a juice or oil. Ginger is commonly used to treat various types of “stomach problems,” including motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, nausea caused by cancer treatment, nausea and vomiting after surgery, as well as loss of appetite. Other uses include pain relief from arthritis or muscle soreness, menstrual pain, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, and bronchitis. Ginger helps heal the gut, and protects it too. Ginger is considered a “warming herb” – which increases circulation and can help raise your body temperature. Ginger can destroy viruses and can be used to heal burns. Ginger can be taken in powder form...

I'm a broken person.  Don't be alarmed, nothing catastrophic happened recently, I'm healthy and happy, but realizing that so many things are out of my control.    The more mature and wiser I get (and older), the less control I have over things in my life.  The days of being able to 'make' my children mind have long gone.  They are growing into their own person, making their own choices...all without my constant guidance!  My parenting mistakes glare at me and haunt me at times.  I'm not a perfect parent!!   As a Christian for over 25 years, my knowledge has grown, but there are still areas that I don't like...attitudes, habits, ingrained actions...that seem to always be lurking deep inside my heart ready to come out.  I'm not the perfect Christian!!    I am a very private person.  Sharing good advice comes easy for me, but  opening up to share weaknesses is a big struggle.    When r...